HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/04/1998CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
March 4,1998
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City of Apple Valley PlanniTlg Commission meeting was called to order by Vice Chair
Blundetto at 7:00 p.m..
Members Present: Marcia Growling, Diane Nagler, Frank Blundetto, Paul Oberg.
Members Absent: Karen Edgeton, Lou Clark , Jce McNamara.
Staff Present: Rick Kelley, Kathy Bodmer, Tom Lovelace, Nelda Werkmeister, City Attorney
Mike Dougherty, Consulting Engineer Keith Gordon, Dennis Miranowski.
Others Present: See sign-in sheet.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
4-0.
MOTION: Gowling moved, seconded by Nagler, to approve the agenda. The motion carried
3. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 4,1998 MINUTES
4-0.
MOTION: Growling moved, sewrrded by Nagler, to approve the minutes. The motion carried
4. CONSENT ITEMS -None -
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Public Hearing for Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning from "I-2" to
"SG", Conditional Use Permit for Sand and Gravel Mining on the Existing Williams Pipe Line
Tank Farm
Blundetto opened the public hearing. Assistant Plaruier Lovelace introduced the item.
Kirsten Rojina of Sunde Enguieering, representing the petitioner Williams Pipe Line, outlined
the attributes of the project, including: 1) creating a smooth transition to bring the elevation in
conformance with the surrounding topography and enhancing development opportunities for the future;
enlarging the storm water management pond; replacing older pipe lines proximate to a city well with
newer ones; utilizing the value of sand and gmuel to justify relocating the tank farm to a more industrial
site.
Rojina stated Phase I would be completed in 2-5 years, with the intern to mine and restore it
within 3 years. These activities would coincide with the constmction of the extensions of Flagstaff
Avenue and 147th Street. All proposed mining and processing would meet the setback requirements.
Williams wishes to remain flexible at this point because they would hire a third party to do the work.
Rojina went on to explain the timing and phasing of all aspects of both Phases I and II,
including dust control, berms, vegetation, noise and odor. The ground water depth upon completion of
Planning Commission Minutes
March 4, 1998
Page 2
the project would be 35 feet (from base to ground water table). She stated Phase I is astand-alone
project; it can be completed with or without Phase II.
Nagler asked about the age of the pipe lines and the effect proximal mining will have on them.
Blande[to stated that Williams had expressed that same concern with Fischer's operation. Rojina replied
that setbacks from the pipe line for miuing would be 52 feet; narrow segments up to 100 feet wide could
be mined directly adjacent to the pipe line and then restored. She went onto say the detemtination of this
distance was the result of a study conducted during the negotiation with Fischer.
Dowling asked if the grade differentials exist when roads are built, who pays for the cost of
lowering the grade? Public Works Director Miranowski said when the road is built and the costs are
assessed to the benefiting property owners.
Dowling also asked about the setback variance possibility mentioned in the staff report. Rojina
said the diagram shown tonight incorporated the discussion with staff, and no variances would be
needed.
Oberg asked when the extensions of Fkrgstafl'and 147th Street would be needed. Community
Development Director Rick Kelley said Flagstaff from County Road 42 to 147th would occur with
Phase I of the Fischer Market Place, and extend to the north within the next five years. There is no
timetable for the extension of 147th Street across to Johnny Cake Ridge Road.
Blundetto asked if Williams had identified alternate sites for the tank farm. Rojina said there is
no formal agreement, that Williams has some ideas.
Oberg asked about traffic studies. Peter Hultgren of Benshoof & Associates, representing the
petitioner, estimated the number of trips this project would generate based on load capacity and number
of tons moved. This yielded 220 trucks in and out on a daily basis, 46 trips by employees, and an
additional 24 trips for other purposes such as plant visitors, for a total of 510 trips per day. Lovelace
clarified hours of operation and associated track hauling allowed by ordinance.
Blundetto stated that the Planning Commission spent a lot of hours trying to keep mining
operations south of County Road 42. He asked the senior Williams Pipe Line representative to share
what benefit there is to the community to mine north of County Road 42. Mark Haugen, manager of the
Apple Valley pump station and tank farm, stated that as development in the area continues, seeing those
tanks on a daily basis may not be appealing.
Lovekue explained that an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) relating to the
proposed project is out for review and comment right now. The EAW will be discussed at the March 18
Planning Commission meeting.
Nagler asked for clarification regarding pipe line replacement and lowering. Rojina said a
portion of the pipe lines in the northwest comer would be replaced if Phase I occurs. If Phase I does not
occur, expansion of the tank farm is possible. There are no plans to lower the pipe lines in the absence
of Phase I.
Vice Chair Blundetto opened the floor to wmments from the public, emphasizing the
importance of refraining from repeating similar comments in the interest of time.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 4,1998
Page 3
David Bocek of 14059 Flintwood Way expressed the following concerns: noise, smell, dust,
track traffic, health hazard, devaluation of property, and the fire and explosion threat posed by u~uih~g
equipment fuel storage tanks. He submitted a written copy of his comments for the record.
Barry Berg of 14068 Flintwood Way stated that Apple Valley has grown from kind of a
bedroom community into a desirable suburban community. The benefit of the project combined with the
potential risks seems low.
Joanne Hilden of 14087 Friday Lane asked that the Couunissioners pay special attention to the
Environmental Assessment Worksheet, particularly p. 18 which talk about options and cancer risk, as
well as p. 28 which addresses odors. Hilden asked that options that result in the cleanest air be chosen.
bv.
Nicholas Maxson of 14059 Forest Lane pointed out there are parks, houses and schools close
John Schaffiausen of 5725 150th Street said he has Barton mining to the south. Ifthis project
is approved, he will haue increased noise to the north as well. He also posed two questions: (1) Ls the
zoning north of the site currently the same as the tank farm is now? (2) L` approved, is there a way to
limit the hours?
Mike Ducatelli of 14162 Flagstone Trail asked about a study on properly value and taxes
impact to the City of Apple Valley, and what liability the city takes on in approving a project like this.
Blandetto pointed out that the Plamring Commission has no jurisdiction to consider the financial impacts
mentioned. Ducatelli also asked about the Wal-Mart traffic effect in combination with this project.
Bev Chasney of 14058 Fliniwood Way wondered why Willivns Pipe Line waited until now
since residential homes, schools, etc. are ah-early in place.
Rory Growth of 14360 Exley Lane said he moved from the west side of gravel mining to the
east side, and now the dust is unbelievable.
Rich Billion of 14133 FlagstoneTrail asked that his letter to the editor be made part of the
record. He asked if Phase I is completed, won't the elevations be even higher? He also wondered if there
was any requirement for Williams to escrow part of the profits, and what was the notice procedure. He
stated that people brought homes in the neighborhood based on the plan for the area at the time.
Lovelace explained that notice was mailed to property owners of record within 3600 feet of the project.
Mike H of 14214 Fossil Lane said a lot of cost would be incurred to extend Flagstaff, and that
the proposed operation would probably ruin the road so it would be to be rebuilt.
Barry Berg asked if a poll could betaken of those opposed.
Blunde[to advised the petitioner they have a tough row to hce, and Oberg echoed his comments.
Nagler asked if additional traffic information may be needed. Kelley responded that additional
traffic information is included in the EAW.
Blundetto closed the public hearing at 8:18 p.m. A recess was then taken.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 4,1998
Page 4
B. Concord Rezoning From "A" to "BP"
Blundetto opened the public hearing at 8:30 p.m. Kelley introduced the item. He said
landscape berms would be required along 147th Street. He said the rezoning would allow a generic
business park building plan to be developed in attracting new industries, and that this important tool for
economic development would broaden the tax base and employment.
Nagler asked for verification that the "BP" use is lighter than "Light Industrial". Kelley
affirmed that notion, stating that "BP" has uses that do not generate large amoums of truck traffic.
John Schaffhausen of 5725 150th Street asked if his property would still be zoned "A".
Kelley responded that only City EDA owned property is proposed to be rezoned at this time.
Blandetto closed the public hearing at 8:37 p.m.
MOTION: Dowling moved, seconded by Nagler, to recommend rezoning from "A" to "BP".
The motion carried 4 - 0.
6. LAND USE/ACTION ITEMS
A. Variance for an Off-Site Directional Sign by Apple Valley Collision
Assistant Planner Kathy Bodmer irtroduced the item and responded to questions.
Jim Anderson, the petitioner and owner of Apple Valley Collision, gave a history of the signage
for his business and the development surrounding it. He pointed out an 8-10 foot embankment and 7-
foot fence across 145th street, as well as a large storage building of Lampert's to the south. He said he
hears daily from customers who can't find his business.
Dowling asked if Anderson was pkmning to expand his business or add a different one on the lot
west of him, to which Anderson replied he s looking at a car wash and other businesses.
Blandetto stated he thought there would be more value of the off-site sign once the property was
developed because there is no obstruction now. He also said he was very concerned that a long time had
lapsed since staffs request that Sign #2 be removed, and the sign remains.
There was some discussion of signage alternatives.
Nagler asked what the hardship was, and Anderson replied it was the development to the north
with the berm and fence.
MOTION: Oberg moved, seconded by Dowling, to recommend approval of the sign variance
to allow sign #2 through 1998 only. The motion carried 4 - 0.
8. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Dowling moved, Oberg seconded, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried
4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:04 p.m.